OKATO Okato is another of those small towns that has met the ‘discovery’ criteria. Okato though deserves the mantel. Okato is a small township in rural Taranaki, New Zealand. The population was 531 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 12 from 2001. It is situated about 25 minutes drive around the coast from New Plymouth and could be and is a dormitory suburb of the bigger centre. Okato has all the elements of a vibrant New Zealand rural community: Okato was also notable as the home of Okato Cheese which was manufactured by the Okato Co-operative Dairy Company. This manufacturing site closed some years after merging to Egmont Co-operative Dairy. Activities in the Okato area include the Stony River walkway which affords a number of locations from which to take photos of Mt Taranaki. The Okato Anglican Church is an absolute must visit. The Okato War Memorial once again demonstrates the ‘serve’ mindset of the era. The Stony River Hotel has a great presence on entering Okato from the south. Nice beaches and a mountain backdrop make Okato a nice entry welcome to New Plymouth.